Detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter

ABSTRACT

A casing and implement for waterproofing a cigarette lighter preferably formed of polymeric material having a hingedly-connected lid releasable to expose the shank and spark wheel of the cigarette lighter, and having a latch for interlocking with the housing of the implement, the implement forming a watertight seal around a top portion of a cigarette lighter when in a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to cigarette lights and in particular to a detachable implement for waterproofing a top portion of cigarette lighter.

Description of the Related Art

Disposable cigarette lighters are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to use. A large portion of the population routinely carries some type of disposable lighter, including smokers and nonsmokers alike. Even among the non-smoking population, lighters are used for many people at home or at work, while camping, and while barbequing. Restaurant servers are often required to light candles, as are construction workers, and others in all walks of life.

Lighters stop sparking and become inoperable when they are wet. There exist no efficient means in the art of waterproofing, or protecting, a lighter from exposure to water. Advantageously, an article for waterproofing a disposable cigarette lighter would be provided which is lightweight and easily retractable to facilitate use of the lighter without removal of the article. Ideally, the article could be readily adapted to detach and secure to standard disposable lighters and would insulate a hot cigarette lighter after use from burning a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter. Beneficially, such an apparatus would overcome many of the difficulties and concerns expressed above, by providing a lightweight, easily detachable product.

The present invention has been developed in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparati and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter comprising: a single polymeric housing defining a semi-cylindrical recess passing through a longitudinal axis of the housing, the housing comprising: an uninterrupted semi-annular sidewall adapted to circumscribe and contour an exterior surface of a cigarette lighter, and a first protuberance jutting from the sidewall adapted to hingedly attach to a concave lid cover; a concave lid cover adapted to affix hingedly to the first protuberance, the lid cover forming a hollow recess for receiving a top portion of a cigarette lighter, the lid cover comprising a second protuberance for hingedly connecting to a latch; and a latch hingedly affixed to the second protuberance for interlock with the housing.

The cigarette lighter may comprise a detachable cigarette lighter. The housing may define an aperture for receiving a clip on the latch. The latch may further comprise an interlocking component for engaging the housing by inserting into the aperture.

A top surface of the housing may be inclined toward a forward end such that the housing is higher on its longitudinal axis at a forward end than at a rearward end. A bottom edge of the housing may be beveled.

The detachably casing may comprise, in some embodiments, living hinges wherein the casing is formed as a single integrated piece. The first protuberance may comprise two loops.

The second protuberance may comprise a loop. An inner surface of the concave lid may define a recess for receiving a spark wheel of a cigarette lighter. The top surface may comprise an uninterrupted annular rim for engaging the concave lid.

The detachably casing may further comprise a gasket positioned between the sidewall and an exterior surface of the cigarette lighter.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a forward perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the concave lid of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rearward perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top-rear perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a rearward hinge of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a forward latch of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a forward-side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an environmental side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an environmental rearward-side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an environmental side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an environmental rearward perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a forward-side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention. The detachable casing 100 comprises a housing 12, a concave lid 104, a first protuberance 110, a beveled bottom surface 112, a hinge 108, and a latch 106.

The shown embodiment is preferably formed from polymeric materials such as nylon, polypropylene, or fiberglass; but, may also be formed from metallic or organic materials such as wood, leather, aluminum, steel, titanium and the like.

The housing 102 preferably comprises a single uninterrupted polymeric housing having an open top end and an open bottom end and defining a passageway for receiving a top end of a disposable cigarette lighter. The housing 102 comprises a first protuberance 110 which juts, or cantilevers perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the casing 100. The housing 102 may comprise a beveled or chamfered bottom edge 112.

The housing 102 comprises an inclined planar top edge which inclines toward the forward end, thus the forward end of the housing 102 is higher on the longitudinal axis than the rearward end. The housing 102 forms a friction fit around the exterior surface of a cigarette lighter. The exterior surface of the cigarette lighter sits flush with the interior surface of the housing 102 forming a watertight or waterproof seal.

The protuberance 110 comprises two prongs or loops for affixing hingedly (or interlocking with) to the concave lid 104 which rests above the housing 102 in the closed position shown. The concave lid 104 comprises a second protuberance (or loop) which hingedly engages (or interlocks with) a latch 106. The protuberance extends in generally in perpendicular fashion from the sidewall.

The latch 106 is hingedly affixed to the second protuberance and may comprises a snap or insert for interlocking the latch 106 with the housing 102 via an aperture (further described below).

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter 200 in accordance with the present invention. The casing 200 comprises a lid 104 having a loop 202 and two loops 204 a-b. The lid 104 defines a logo recessed into the top surface of the lid 104. The lid 104 is hingedly affixed to the housing 102 and the latch 106.

In place of hinges, the casing 200 may for formed as a single integrated piece having living hinges in place of the traditional hinges with loops.

FIG. 3 is a forward perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter 300 in accordance with the present invention. The casing 300 comprises a housing 102, a lid 104, and a latch 106. The lid 104 comprises loops 204 a-b.

The latch 106 tapers and thins from its proximal end affixed to the lid 104 to its distal end interlocking with the housing 102.

FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention.

As shown.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the concave lid 104 of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter 100 in accordance with the present invention.

The interior surface of the lid 104 defines a recess 502 for receiving the top portion of a spark wheel or thumb wheel of a cigarette lighter.

The open bottom end 404 further described above is shown.

FIG. 6 is a rearward perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter 600 in accordance with the present invention.

The hinges of the casing 600 may comprises a pivot screw or may be formed simply of interlocking loops jutting from the housing 102, lid 104, and latch 106.

FIG. 7 is a top-rear perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention.

As shown.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a rearward hinge of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention.

When the latch 106 is disengaged from the housing 102, the lid 104 can be pivotably displaced relative to the housing 102, breaking the waterproof seal between the lid 104 and housing 102, and allowing user access to the spark wheel of the housed cigarette lighter and use the cigarette lighter.

The top surface of the housing 102 comprises an annular lip which circumscribes the open top portion of the housing 102 for engaging and forming a watertight seal with the lid 104.

The open top end 804 further described above is shown.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a forward latch of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter 900 in accordance with the present invention.

The latch 106 comprises an interlocking component 902 for interlocking with an aperture 1002 (below) defined by the housing 102.

FIG. 10 is a forward-side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in accordance with the present invention.

The aperture 1002 receives a cantilevered snap on the interlocking component 902 on the latch 106.

FIG. 11 is an environmental side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention.

A cigarette lighter 1102 inserts into the housing 102.

FIG. 12 is an environmental rearward-side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention.

The spark wheel 1202 is exposed when the lid 104 is pivoted relative to the housing 102 into an open position.

FIG. 13 is an environmental side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention.

As shown.

FIG. 14 is an environmental rearward perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter in an open position in accordance with the present invention.

As shown.

FIG. 15 is a forward-side perspective view of a detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter 1500 and gasket in accordance with the present invention. The casing 1500 comprises a gasket 1502 which inserts into the open bottom end of the casing 1500. In various embodiments, the gasket 1502 comprises a flexibly polymeric semi-annular ring for forming a watertight seal with a cigarette lighter 1102. The gasket 1502 may be formed as a single integrated piece with the housing 102 or may be adhered or affixed to the housing using means known to those of skill in the art. The gasket 1502 may be held in an annular recess circumscribing the interior sidewall of the housing 102. The gasket 1502 positions between the interior sidewall and the cigarette lighter 1102.

The attached drawing and description provide a casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed:
 1. A detachable casing for waterproofing a cigarette lighter, the detachable casing comprising: a single polymeric housing defining a semi-cylindrical recess passing through a longitudinal axis of the housing, the housing comprising: an uninterrupted semi-annular sidewall adapted to circumscribe and contour an exterior surface of a cigarette lighter, and a first protuberance jutting from the sidewall adapted to hingedly attach to a concave lid cover; a concave lid cover adapted to affix hingedly to the first protuberance, the lid cover forming a hollow recess for receiving a top portion of a cigarette lighter, the lid cover comprising a second protuberance for hingedly connecting to a latch; and a latch hingedly affixed to the second protuberance for interlock with the housing.
 2. The detachable casing of claim 1, wherein the cigarette lighter comprises a detachable cigarette lighter.
 3. The detachable casing of claim 1, wherein the housing defines an aperture for receiving a clip on the latch.
 4. The detachable casing of claim 1, wherein the latch further comprises an interlocking component for engaging the housing by inserting into the aperture.
 5. The detachable casing of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the housing is inclined toward a forward end such that the housing is higher on its longitudinal axis at a forward end than at a rearward end.
 6. The detachable casing of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of the housing is beveled.
 7. The detachably casing of claim 1 comprising living hinges wherein the casing is formed as a single integrated piece.
 8. The detachably casing of claim 1, wherein the first protuberance comprises two loops.
 9. The detachably casing of claim 1, wherein the second protuberance comprises a loop.
 10. The detachably casing of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the concave lid defines a recess for receiving a spark wheel of a cigarette lighter.
 11. The detachably casing of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises an uninterrupted annular rim for engaging the concave lid.
 12. The detachably casing of claim 1, further comprising a gasket positioned between the sidewall and an exterior surface of the cigarette lighter. 